For the first-world nerd on your list, the most thoughtful gift you can give is a donation in their name — something that’s perfectly, tear-jerkingly aligned with their profession, passions, and personality.

Just as Giving Tuesday is a reminder of the importance of giving back, so is it a reminder to charitable organizations that the Internet has powerful tools and platforms for rallying support and raising money, and should be leveraged more than once a year.

Homejoy is bringing the “lean startup” approach to philanthropy. The company announced the establishment of the Homejoy Foundation today, which will give financial grants to veterans and military families in need.

Launching this week, the company’s new iPhone app features profiles of kids in developing countries who desperately require surgeries. You can donate directly through the app and receive real-time updates on the patient’s progress.

San Francisco startup Rally.org has partnered with Glide, a local nonprofit, to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to raise money for charity. The top ten fundraisers will win a meeting with Eric Ries or Mike Maples, among others.

Following the example set by philanthropists like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, the venture capitalists at Andreessen Horowitz have made a joint pledge to donate at least half of their substantial incomes to charity.